Amy caught his arm. “Will you make that boy go away?”…

““Amy caught his arm. “Will you make that boy go away?” Hunter pried her fingers loose and rose. “Swift Antelope is my loyal friend. It is good that he stands outside. No harm.” Turning to his mother, Hunter slipped easily into his own language, plying her with questions. His mother informed him that although Amy was weak, with proper nourishment and plenty of rest, she would soon recover. The internal bleeding had completely stopped. The cut on her leg was healing nicely. Hunter explained that he would return with Loretta shortly, then left the lodge, holding the flap aside for Bright Star, who had respectfully waited for him to finish his business before she tried to enter. Swift Antelope inched toward the doorway, stretching his neck to see past Hunter’s arm. Hunter tugged the flap closed. “Swift Antelope, stop staring. You’re making her uneasy.” “She is very golden, is she not?” Hunter had the disturbing feeling that his young friend hadn’t heard a word he said. “She’s very frightened. Of you. She wants you to leave, and I don’t blame her. You’re drooling like a rabid wolf.” A dimple flashed in Swift Antelope’s cheek. “That is a good sign, is it not? That she has noticed me.” Hunter walked away, shaking his head.””

— Catherine Anderson